Naturalization and Basic Training Initiative:
This initiative gives noncitizens who enlist in the military the opportunity to naturalize after they graduate from basic combat training
. The naturalization interview and Oath of Allegiance are worked into basic training and done on the military base.
Can I apply for citizenship while in basic training?
Soldiers looking to apply for citizenship can now do so during basic combat training
and at a faster clip than they have been able to in the past. In addition, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, officers may become a permanent fixture at places like Fort Jackson, S.C., officials said.
How long does the citizenship process take?
The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is
14.5 months
, as of June, 2021. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below). The overall naturalization process involves more steps and a longer citizenship timeline.
How can I get my citizenship faster?
To request expedited processing of your naturalization application, you can either
go through the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) or write a letter to your local USCIS field office
. Be ready to prove the reason you need expedited processing with documentation backing up your statements.
Do I have to wait 5 years to apply for US citizenship?
As a permanent resident,
you are generally eligible for naturalization after five years
. This is the most common way that people apply to become a U.S. citizen. To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the five years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Will USCIS speed up 2022?
Improve Timely Access to Employment Authorization Documents
USCIS received a temporary final rule from DHS on March 24, 2022
, named “Temporary Increase of the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization and Documentation for Certain Renewal Applicants.”
Can you join the US Army without being a citizen?
You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to enlist in the military
, but you may have fewer options. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must: Have a permanent resident card, also known as a Green Card. Currently live in the U.S.
Does joining the army give you citizenship?
If you served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year at any time, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization
. While some general naturalization requirements apply under INA 328, other requirements may not apply or are reduced.
Does joining the military give your parents citizenship?
Certain children of U.S. service members or U.S. government employees, and children of their spouses, may automatically acquire citizenship under section 320 of the INA
. This may include children of parents who are stationed and residing outside of the United States.
Why are Uscis processing times so long?
This backlog is
largely due to the USCIS office closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic
. Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document – Advance Parole”): Applications for advance parole saw a large increase in processing times, from 4.6 months in FY 2020 to 7.7 months in FY 2021.
How can I become a U.S. citizen without marriage?
You must have entered the United States legally
. Undocumented immigrants who marry U.S. citizens cannot apply for citizenship as easily. You must be a person of good moral character. This means you're generally a good person, who pays taxes and child support, and hasn't broken any serious laws.
How long is citizenship process 2022?
On average, it takes anywhere from
18 months to 24 months
to complete the naturalization process and become a U.S. citizen.
How long does it take to get citizenship interview after biometrics 2020?
Many people expect to receive a response or next steps from the USCIS within a few weeks of their biometrics appointment. Unfortunately, the wait will be much longer than this. Typically, it can take anything
between 5 and 10 months
before you get a notice for your green card interview, for example.
What is the 4 year 1 day rule for U.S. citizenship?
The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States,
the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year
.
Can you expedite a citizenship?
You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.
How long does it take for I 130 to be approved 2021?
For immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen, I-130 processing times currently vary between
5 to 16 months
(as of April. 13, 2022). The sooner you get started on your I-130 application, the better.
Can you travel while waiting for citizenship?
You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so
. However, if a trip lasts longer than 180 days, USCIS may determine that you have not continuously resided in the United States and therefore are ineligible for naturalization.
Can I apply for citizenship 3 months before 5 years?
Filing Early
The 90-day early-filing rule:
You may file your naturalization application with USCIS as early as 90 days before the end of your three- or five-year wait period as a green card holder
— as long as you've met all other eligibility criteria.
How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?
How Much Will It Cost To Become A U.S. Citizen? As of February 2021,
the total application fee for naturalization is $725
. This fee consists of the processing fee of $640 and the biometrics fee of $85. The USCIS does not refund these filing fees regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application.
Does the 2 years of conditional green card count towards citizenship?
As long as you become a permanent resident at the end of your conditional residence period,
your two years as a conditional resident will count toward the waiting period for citizenship
.
Why is H4 processing so slow?
One of the fundamental reasons for delays of H4 processing is the
Biometrics Process
that was introduced by Trump Administration in 2019 as part of Executive Order 13780. “Protecting the National from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States”.
Which Uscis office is the fastest?
The most efficient U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office is also stated to be in
Cleveland
. The USCIS office efficiency is reflected in the highest backlog completion of 71.3%, and the nation's shortest average processing time, which is only four months.
Is USCIS processing faster now?
USCIS will now post processing times as a range
— the first number is the amount of time it takes to process 50% of cases, and the second number shows the time it takes to process 93% of cases. The times are based on an analysis of the complete cases for the previous month, unless the agency states otherwise.
Can I join the military with a felony?
It is possible to join the military with a felony, regardless of the military branch
. But your chances will be influenced by various factors, such as the severity of your crime(s) and your present legal status.
Is 30 too old to join the military?
For the Army, the maximum age is 35
. For the Navy, age waivers start at 34-years-old. For the Air Force, the maximum age allowed to join is 39-years-old. The Marines have the lowest maximum age for regular military service at 28-years-old.
How do you obtain US citizenship?
- Determining your eligibility to become an American citizen.
- Completing form N-400, the application for naturalization, and creating a free account to submit your form online.
- Taking the U.S. Naturalization Test and having a personal interview.
